Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

17 May

Neeraj Chopra Smashes 90m Barrier, PM Modi Hails ‘Spectacular Feat’

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsDoha Diamond League 2025, Javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra

National Times Bureau, May 17, 2025: Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin ace, finally breached the 90-meter mark at the Doha Diamond League 2025 with a jaw-dropping throw of 90.23 meters. It came on his third attempt, turning a long-standing dream into reality and cementing his place in the global elite of track and field.Although Chopra’s personal best lit up the arena, he finished second behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who threw a massive 91.06 meters. Yet, the moment was all about Chopra. For years, Indian athletics waited for this moment—and it arrived with power, grace, and pride.Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the…

17 May

Pakistan PM Admits Indian Missiles Hit Nur Khan Airbase, Confirms Operation Sindoor’s Impact

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIndian Missile Strike, Nur Khan Airbase, Operation Sindoor, Shehbaz Sharif

New Delhi, May 17, 2025 — In a rare admission, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that Indian ballistic missiles struck Nur Khan Airbase and several other locations inside Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.Speaking at a public ceremony at the Pakistan Monument on Friday, Sharif revealed that he was woken up at 2:30 AM on May 10 by Army Chief General Asim Munir, who informed him of the Indian missile strikes. The strikes, part of a larger coordinated operation, were previously denied by Pakistani authorities."At around 2:30 AM on May 10, General…

17 May

India to Launch Global Diplomatic Blitz as Seven All-Party Delegations Set to Visit Key Nations Over Operation Sindoor

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaOperation Sindoor

New Delhi (National Times) In a bold move to strengthen India’s global outreach and counter false narratives surrounding terrorism, the Indian government is dispatching seven all-party parliamentary delegations to major partner nations later this month. The outreach comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India's decisive military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which New Delhi has attributed to Pakistan-sponsored militants. These delegations will engage with international leaders, policymakers, and media outlets across five key nations, including members of the United Nations Security Council, to present India’s position on cross-border terrorism and assert its right to defend national sovereignty.…

16 May

Trump Revives Feuds With Springsteen and Swift Mid-Diplomatic Tour

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsBruce Springsteen, Donald Trump, Taylor Swift, Trump Truth Social

National Times Bureau, May 16, 2025– U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his long-running battles with musicians Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift on May 16 while flying back from a high-stakes diplomatic tour in the Middle East. Using his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump unleashed a string of personal insults, calling Springsteen an “obnoxious JERK” and claiming Swift is “no longer hot.”The verbal jabs came in response to Springsteen’s recent concert in Manchester, where the iconic rocker blasted Trump’s administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.” Springsteen accused the former president of dismantling American democratic values and cozying up to authoritarian…

16 May

India Boycotts Turkish Goods and Deals Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsIndia Turkey relations, Operation Sindoor, Turkish goods boycott

New Delhi, May 16, 2025 – A sweeping wave of boycotts targeting Turkish goods, services, and institutional ties has taken hold across India in response to Turkey’s open support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The nationwide sentiment has triggered reactions from traders, airlines, educational institutions, and even government-linked defense projects.Fruit traders in Alwar, Nagpur, and Pune have removed Turkish apples from their markets, choosing to stock domestic alternatives as a show of solidarity. The message, they say, is clear—India comes first. Similarly, marble importers in Udaipur have decided to stop procuring Turkish marble, a sector worth nearly ₹3,000 crore annually.The…

16 May

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta: People Will Boycott Nations That Stand Against India

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia boycott Turkey Azerbaijan, Operation Sindoor, Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, May 16, 2025 — Amid growing public and political backlash against countries seen as supporting Pakistan during the recent conflict, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta declared that India will not tolerate foreign support for terrorism and that people will boycott any nation that acts against Indian interests.“If any country gets involved in any way against India, the people of India will boycott it in every way,” Gupta said, reinforcing the nation's unified stance. “India is united against the supporters of terrorism,” she added.The statement follows rising calls across India to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan, both accused of backing…

16 May

Former World Junior Hockey Players’ Sexual Assault Trial to Proceed Without Jury

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaHockey Canada, Sexual Assault Case, World Juniors Trial

London/Ontario, May 16, 2025: The high-profile sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey team will continue as a judge-alone proceeding after the jury was unexpectedly dismissed. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia announced the decision in court, though the reasons remain sealed under a publication ban.The accused — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote — face charges of sexual assault related to an alleged incident in June 2018 at a London hotel, following a Hockey Canada gala. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense.…

16 May

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 Auction to Take Place on May 31 and June 1 in Mumbai

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsPKL Season 12, Pro Kabaddi Auction 2025

Mumbai, May 16, 2025: The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is gearing up for its 12th season with the much-anticipated player auction set for May 31 and June 1 in Mumbai. The announcement comes from Mashal Sports, the league’s organizers, as preparations begin for another thrilling edition of India’s homegrown sport.The auction will see all 12 teams reworking their strategies to build competitive squads. Last season's auction had set records, with eight players fetching bids over ₹1 crore. Tamil Thalaivas made headlines by buying star raider Sachin Tanwar for ₹2.15 crore — the highest in PKL history.Following their first-ever title win…

16 May

India Cancels Celebi’s Security Clearance as Ties with Turkey Deteriorate

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsCelebi India, India Turkey Tensions, Security Clearance Revoked

New Delhi, May 16, 2025: In a major diplomatic fallout, India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services, effectively halting its ground-handling operations at nine key Indian airports. The decision follows Turkey's alleged military support to Pakistan during India’s recent Operation Sindoor.The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) announced the cancellation, citing national security concerns. Celebi operated at major hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The move triggered a sharp reaction on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, with Celebi’s shares plummeting by 10 percent.According to reports, Turkey allegedly provided drones and operatives to Pakistan, some of which…

16 May

India, Pakistan Extend Ceasefire Until May 18, DGMOs to Hold Fresh Talks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsDGMOs, India Pakistan ceasefire, Line of Control, May 18 Extension

New Delhi, May 16, 2025: India and Pakistan have extended their ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) until May 18, amid recent escalations that raised fears of conflict. The decision comes following backchannel communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations, who are expected to hold another round of talks soon to review the ground situation and discuss further de-escalation steps.The extension follows a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians and triggered days of military exchanges including drones and missiles. Tensions along the LoC had risen sharply, prompting…